HBO Max subscription costs between $5.99 and $22.99 per month, depending on which plan you choose and whether you pay annually

HBO Max (now called Max) offers four subscription tiers. The With Ads plan costs $5.99 per month. The Standard plan costs $15.99 per month or $155.99 per year if you pay upfront. The Premium plan costs $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. A fourth tier, Standard with Ads, costs $9.99 per month. The exact price you pay depends on which plan you choose and when you signed up — older subscribers may have locked in different rates.

The main differences between plans are the number of screens you can watch on simultaneously, video quality, and whether ads appear during shows and films. The With Ads plan lets you watch on one screen at a time in standard definition. Standard allows two screens at once in high definition. Premium allows four screens at once in 4K. Standard with Ads sits between the cheapest and Standard plans: two screens, high definition, but with advertisements.

Key Takeaways

  • The cheapest plan is $5.99 per month with ads and one screen; the most expensive is $19.99 per month with no ads and four screens.
  • Paying annually instead of monthly saves you money on Standard and Premium plans — roughly two months' worth of savings per year.
  • You can change your plan at any time, and the change takes effect on your next billing date.
  • HBO Max frequently changes its pricing and plan structure, so the rates you see today may not be what you pay next year.

How to change your plan or cancel

You can upgrade, downgrade, or cancel your subscription through your account settings on the Max website or app. Log in, go to your account or profile settings, and look for a section labeled "Plan" or "Subscription." From there you can see your current plan, your billing date, and options to change it.

If you downgrade to a cheaper plan, the change takes effect on your next billing date — you will not be refunded for the remainder of your current billing cycle. If you upgrade to a more expensive plan mid-cycle, you will usually be charged a prorated amount for the difference. If you cancel, your access ends on your next billing date, not immediately.

What happens if you share your password

Max has begun restricting password sharing on some accounts. If you share your login with people outside your household, Max may ask you to add them as paid members or remove them from your account. The exact rules depend on your plan and your region — Max is rolling out these restrictions gradually.

If you want multiple people in different households to watch, you have two options: each person can pay for their own subscription, or you can add them as paid extra members on your account. The cost of adding an extra member varies by plan and region but typically ranges from $7.99 to $9.99 per month.

Annual versus monthly billing

Paying for a year upfront costs less than paying month to month on the Standard and Premium plans. On Standard, you save about $31.89 per year by paying annually ($155.99 versus $191.88 for twelve months at $15.99). On Premium, you save about $39.89 per year ($199.99 versus $239.88). The With Ads and Standard with Ads plans do not offer annual billing — you pay monthly only.

If you switch from monthly to annual billing, your next charge will be for the full year, and your billing cycle will reset. If you switch from annual to monthly, you will not be refunded for unused time on your annual plan — the change takes effect on your renewal date.

Price increases and plan changes over time

Max has raised prices multiple times since it launched as HBO Max in 2020. The With Ads plan was introduced in late 2022 at $9.99 per month, then lowered to $5.99 in 2024. The Standard plan has moved from $15.99 to $19.99 and back. Premium has risen from $19.99 to $22.99 and is now $19.99 again. These changes do not always apply to existing subscribers at the same time — some people keep their old rate for a period before being moved to the new price.

Max also changes what each plan includes. For example, the number of simultaneous screens or the video quality available on each tier has shifted. Before you commit to a plan, check the current features listed on Max's website, because what you get for your money may not match what you read elsewhere.

How to find out your current rate and billing date

Log into your Max account on the website or app and go to your account settings. Look for a section called "Plan," "Subscription," or "Billing." This page shows your current plan name, your monthly or annual rate, your next billing date, and your payment method. If you have been on the same plan for years, your rate may be different from what new subscribers pay for the same plan.

If you see a price increase coming, you will usually receive an email notification before your next billing date. The email will explain what is changing and give you a window to cancel or downgrade before the new price takes effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a free trial of Max?

Max does not currently offer a free trial to new subscribers. However, if you have certain internet or phone plans through providers like Verizon or AT&T, you may get Max included or discounted as part of your bundle. Check your provider's website or contact them directly to see if you may have access to.

What if I'm charged twice in one month?

Contact Max customer support through the website or app. Billing errors do happen — for example, if you upgrade mid-cycle and are charged both a prorated amount and your regular monthly fee. Support can review your account and issue a refund if you were charged in error. Keep your billing statements so you can show them what happened.

Do I have to use a credit card to pay?

Max accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. Some regions also allow payment through other methods like Google Play or Apple Pay if you signed up through those platforms. You can update your payment method in your account settings at any time.

Will my price go up if I don't change my plan?

Yes, Max can raise the price of your current plan even if you do not change anything. When this happens, you will receive an email before the increase takes effect, usually giving you at least a week's notice. You can downgrade to a cheaper plan or cancel before the new price kicks in.